God honors what is just and equitable. His wisdom reveals that what is just and equitable leads us to modesty and moderation; avoiding pulls swaying to extremes. Lust in reality, is an intense and unrestrained desire to indulge in what the flesh sees and wants. It is an extreme form of behavior that leads to no good thing but harm, leanness of soul and separation from God. Solomon gained wisdom on this.
“Then you will understand the fear of the LORD,
And find the knowledge of God.
For the LORD gives wisdom;
From His mouth come knowledge and understanding;
He stores up sound wisdom for the upright;
He is a shield to those who walk uprightly;
He guards the paths of justice,
And preserves the way of His saints.
Then you will understand righteousness and justice,
Equity and every good path.”
(Proverbs 2:5-9)
“The righteousness of the upright will deliver them, but the unfaithful will be caught by their lust” (Proverbs 11:6).
RELEVANCE
Christ came to reveal and impart the life of the Holy Spirit to help us apply God’s wisdom and also give us the strength to resist such impulses. Grace is not a license to sin. As we receive His strength, we can then walk in His grace. Paul provided much encouragement on this.
“I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish” (Galatians 5:16-17).
REFLECT AND RELATE
Meditate on what may be pulling or driving you to fulfill desires or want things you see that are not equitable or just; things that do not produce fruit from God, but lead you towards harm, leanness of soul and away from God. What do you think may be keeping you from receiving God’s strength through the Holy Spirit to resist lustful temptations?
REFERENCES
Galatians 5:16-25; 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8